Scriptures

I agree with what momma L says. I was going to post the same thing about the rod being not a tool for beating the sheep, but for guiding.. Something that often gets misunderstood. Great question!! :)

Matthew 5:7-9

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 23:13
Isaiah 54:13
Matthew 18:10
Ephesians 6:4
Collosians 3:21
1 Timothy 3:4
1 Timothy 5:8

As long as you're asking, I'd be interested to find out
where Grami got that bare bottom reference.
I'm quite confident that cannot be found in any of the books
commonly referred to as the bible, any version.

I am also in agreement with "the rod" spoken of in the bible is a rod of guidance and not one that you "beat" something with. To raise a child with love it is impossible to "hurt" them.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
In all things, whether its about spanking, feeding, nurturing, discipline, reward, love, patience... anything, if you ask God for guidance and teach your child as God leads your heart to do, it will be the way he should go.

Matthew 7:12
Luke 6:31
Romans 12:21
Proverbs 29:11
Romans 12:14
James 3:10
Colossians 3:8
Ephesians 4:29
Ephesians 5:4
Romans 12:16
Leviticus 19:17
1 John 4:20
Ephesians 6:1-3

I hope this helps!

Excellent responses from Momma L. and Peg M.
Great question, Page!

James Dobson website may lead you in the right area of this issue.
Also the intential living on K-love radio website may lead you to something.
Both of these speakers have spoke on non-corporal punishment.
If I find out any more on the issue from friends I will email you later.

Momma L pretty well covered it, but to reiterate - the rod was not used to beat the sheep, and in all of the scriptures I have read, it seemed to be a metaphor for loving guidance. I know a rod would not comfort me if I thought I was about to be hit with it.

I think the overall point of the bible, is that it is extremely bad for a child's spirit to skip discipline. Something I agree with based on kids I have seen raised in strict Christian homes (who don't use and rods or switches, but will use corporal punishment when needed rather than distracting and redirecting and allowing melt downs in order to avoid discipline) vs child psych development positive parents who avoided discipline whenever possible, which does seem to lend itself to sadness and bad behavior in kids based on what I have seen. BUT. By all means, if you can achieve effective firm discipline and healthy, happy reverent spirits without the occasional swat on the butt, great. The bible is just saying sparing the rod (skipping discipline) is the wrong thing to do, IMO, and I'm no bible scholar.

Wonderful question. Good for you for asking. You have received some outstanding replies. Thanks for posting this.